Plant Based Spinach Artichoke Dip

With the Super Bowl right around the corner I knew that I had to make some delicious vegan appetizers for you guys! I wanted to make sure that these appetizers were absolutely perfect so that you could be confident to bring them to a get together and even the non vegans would approve. Well friends, after many trials this recipe is finally ready (I seriously tested this recipe so many times I think I am part artichoke at this point)! This creamy vegan spinach artichoke dip is insanely creamy, yet still made with whole foods. I am super proud of this recipe, so I hope you try it out and enjoy!

Why make a recipe without vegan cheese?

I get this question a lot and I totally understand why. There are so many vegan cheeses out there that taste just like traditional cheese and work the exact same. I could definitely make recipes like this using vegan cheese (trust me, it'd make my job a lot easier). However I am not going to do that, because about 98% of these vegan cheese are made with highly processed oils and other unhealthy ingredients that make it almost as unhealthy as traditional cheese (keyword: almost).

I created The All Natural Vegan because I am so passionate about creating recipes using the healthiest ingredients out there. There is so much constant worry and talk about food these days that I want to create a place where there is an abundance of healthy recipes to choose from so that you never have to worry about what's in your food again. Recipes just like this oil-free plant based spinach artichoke dip are everywhere on this blog!

What makes this Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Dip healthier than regular Spinach Artichoke Dip?

Like I said in the previous paragraph this recipe is oil-free. Therefore this recipe automatically has a lower calorie density, and is more filling than traditional spinach artichoke dip. This recipe also utlizes ingredients like potatoes and cashew butter which contain more vitamins and minerals than oils. Last, but not least this is a low-sodium spinach artichoke dip recipe, thanks to my special technique (next paragraph). That's why I love this recipe so much, because not only is it free of the bad stuff, but it is loaded with healthy plant based ingredients. I think we all know by now that spinach is a health power house, and this is a fantastic way to incorporate more of it into your diet if you're not a big fan of it raw like me!

Can I make this plant based spinach artichoke dip recipe low sodium?

If you've ever had an artichoke heart, then you know they are pure salty goodness! Salt is delicious, and a little here and there is not unhealthy, it's actually necessary! However, like anything too much can be harmful. Since embarking on my health journey I have made a conscious effort to lower my sodium intake, and I can honestly say that it has made a significant difference in my health. By making recipes like this vegan spinach artichoke dip, I am still enjoying the flavors that I love, but just a healthier version!

A traditional spinach artichoke dip recipe is absolutely loaded with sodium. Just by swapping out the cheese you are already significantly lowering the sodium content of the dish. However I have a little life hack that can help you lower the sodium in this vegan spinach artichoke dip even more. All you have to do is strain the artichokes and give them a good rinse, then add them to a bowl of water and heart them up for 5-10 minutes. Strain and rinse them again and bam! You've just cut the sodium content in half, if not more. I love doing this little trick with anything that comes in a can. Check out some of my other "de-salted" recipes:

• Jackfruit Enchiladas
• Coconut Peanut Noodles
• Roasted Tuscan Salad
• Mediterranean Buddha Bowl

Ingredients for this Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip:

• Artichoke hearts
• Cut spinach
• Golden potatoes
• Miso paste
• Nutritional yeast
• Garlic
• Cashew butter - "VEGAN10" for $10 off!
• Shallot
• Vegetable broth